NEWS RELEASE
THE PEACE CORPS
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The Peace Corps announced today that Colorado and Maryland are tied at No. 7 amongst the top volunteer-producing states in fiscal year 2023. Last year, 69 volunteers from Colorado began service, and since the Peace Corps was founded in 1961 more than 7,376 Colorado residents have served.
“I am grateful to all the states and communities across the U.S. represented on this list for inspiring the powerful sense of service that has led so many to join the Peace Corps,” said Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn. “While abroad, Peace Corps Volunteers share their full selves – including a bit of the hometowns that helped shape who they are – with the communities they serve. And everyone benefits when those experiences are as richly diverse as our nation and everyone who calls it home.”
Peace Corps Volunteers work alongside communities in the countries where they are invited to serve to support sustainable change that positively impacts countries for generations. Service in the Peace Corps is a transformational experience for volunteers who work hand-in-hand with community members on locally driven projects, while exchanging cultural understanding and building meaningful relationships.
Owen Zighelboim is from Colorado and currently serving in Fiji as a community economic development volunteer.
“Colorado is for dreamers. Everyone I know there has a vision for a better world and a passion for making it happen in their own way. In choosing to volunteer for the Peace Corps, the folks back home helped me see the bigger picture. They encouraged me to bet on myself — if I didn't, who would? Now, a year into service, I don't see my life playing out any other way. I'll forever be indebted to them for their guidance and spirit,” he said. “I'm currently working on a partnership between the primary school in my village and a school back home to secure financing for much needed school supplies. I also make time to talk about Colorado and what I love about it when I'm asked where I'm from.”
Service in the Peace Corps is a life-defining, hands-on leadership experience that offers volunteers the opportunity to go the distance and make a difference. Applicants can apply to specific programs by visiting the Peace Corps website and connecting with a recruiter.
The Peace Corps is calling on motivated changemakers to answer the Bold Invitation to advance the agency’s mission to spread world peace and friendship through international service. Apply by March 1, 2024, to start your global journey by mid-2024.
The Top Peace Corps Volunteer-Producing States for 2023:
(1) California: 180 Peace Corps Volunteers
(2) New York: 92 Peace Corps Volunteers
(3) Texas: 87 Peace Corps Volunteers
(4) Florida: 83 Peace Corps Volunteers
(5) Virginia: 76 Peace Corps Volunteers
(6) North Carolina: 71 Peace Corps Volunteers
(7) Colorado and Maryland: 69 Peace Corps Volunteers
(8) Georgia and Pennsylvania: 54 Peace Corps Volunteers
(9) Washington: 53 Peace Corps Volunteers
(10) New Jersey: 51 Peace Corps Volunteers
*Peace Corps data current as of September 30, 2023. The data reflects the number of volunteers that began their service between the dates of October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 (fiscal year 2023). Volunteers self-report their home state on their Peace Corps application.
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